Bihar to Install FGD Systems in Thermal Power Plants
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Bihar to Install FGD Systems in Thermal Power Plants

In response to rising concerns over air pollution caused by thermal power plants, Bihar's environment, forest, and climate change department is accelerating efforts to implement flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems in six major thermal power units. These systems aim to curb the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2), a major pollutant, thereby reducing its environmental impact.

The issue was the focal point of a review meeting held on Sunday, chaired by Environment Minister Prem Kumar. The meeting also saw the participation of senior officials, including Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) Chairman D K Shukla and Member Secretary Neeraj Narayan. They discussed pollution levels and the operational status of six NTPC units in Bihar, focusing on the progress of installing FGD systems.

“Efforts are underway to install FGD systems in all power plants across the state,” said Minister Prem Kumar, according to a BSPCB press release. The meeting extensively addressed the FGD system’s importance in curbing SO2 emissions.

The meeting also reviewed the findings from a study by CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, which was later evaluated by NITI Aayog in August. The study raised alarms about the high SO2 levels in emissions from Bihar's thermal power plants and underscored the urgent need for FGD installations. Additionally, IIT-Delhi is conducting another study to assess pollution control measures.

The Union Ministry of Climate Change has mandated the installation of FGD systems in all thermal power plants across India by 2026. However, Bihar is behind schedule in implementing these systems, as pointed out by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). The CREA report revealed that Bihar’s six major thermal plants emit approximately 181 kilotonnes of SO2 annually, a figure that is ten times higher than the emissions from burning paddy straw in Punjab and Haryana.

The six thermal plants in Bihar—Barauni Thermal Power Station, Barh Super Thermal Power Plant, Buxar Thermal Power Plant, Kahalgaon Super Thermal Power Station, Kanti Thermal Power Station, and Nabinagar Thermal Power Project—are responsible for these high emissions.

Despite the challenges, the meeting expressed satisfaction with the improvement in the air quality index (AQI) in the state this year compared to the previous year. Officials noted that the high levels of small dust particles like PM2.5 and PM10 had negatively impacted the AQI in the past.

In response to rising concerns over air pollution caused by thermal power plants, Bihar's environment, forest, and climate change department is accelerating efforts to implement flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems in six major thermal power units. These systems aim to curb the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2), a major pollutant, thereby reducing its environmental impact. The issue was the focal point of a review meeting held on Sunday, chaired by Environment Minister Prem Kumar. The meeting also saw the participation of senior officials, including Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) Chairman D K Shukla and Member Secretary Neeraj Narayan. They discussed pollution levels and the operational status of six NTPC units in Bihar, focusing on the progress of installing FGD systems. “Efforts are underway to install FGD systems in all power plants across the state,” said Minister Prem Kumar, according to a BSPCB press release. The meeting extensively addressed the FGD system’s importance in curbing SO2 emissions. The meeting also reviewed the findings from a study by CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, which was later evaluated by NITI Aayog in August. The study raised alarms about the high SO2 levels in emissions from Bihar's thermal power plants and underscored the urgent need for FGD installations. Additionally, IIT-Delhi is conducting another study to assess pollution control measures. The Union Ministry of Climate Change has mandated the installation of FGD systems in all thermal power plants across India by 2026. However, Bihar is behind schedule in implementing these systems, as pointed out by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). The CREA report revealed that Bihar’s six major thermal plants emit approximately 181 kilotonnes of SO2 annually, a figure that is ten times higher than the emissions from burning paddy straw in Punjab and Haryana. The six thermal plants in Bihar—Barauni Thermal Power Station, Barh Super Thermal Power Plant, Buxar Thermal Power Plant, Kahalgaon Super Thermal Power Station, Kanti Thermal Power Station, and Nabinagar Thermal Power Project—are responsible for these high emissions. Despite the challenges, the meeting expressed satisfaction with the improvement in the air quality index (AQI) in the state this year compared to the previous year. Officials noted that the high levels of small dust particles like PM2.5 and PM10 had negatively impacted the AQI in the past.

Next Story
Real Estate

Mahindra Lifespaces Bags Rs 12.5 billion Redevelopment in Mulund

Mahindra Lifespace Developers (MLDL), the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the Mahindra Group, has been appointed as the preferred developer for the redevelopment of a premium housing society in Mulund (West), Mumbai. The project will be developed across a 3.08-acre land parcel, with an estimated development value of approximately Rs 12.5 billion. Strategically located, the site enjoys proximity to major connectivity points—just 1.4 km from the upcoming Mumbai Metro Line 5 and 0.8 km from the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road. It also offers seamless access to the Eastern Expre..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Snowman Adds Warehouses in Kolkata and Krishnapatnam

Snowman Logistics, India’s leading integrated temperature-controlled logistics company, has announced the commencement of operations at its two new state-of-the-art, owned cold storage facilities in Kolkata and Krishnapatnam. With these additions, the company’s total pallet capacity has reached 1,50,754, spanning 43 warehouses in 20 cities across the country. The newly operational Kolkata facility offers a storage capacity of 5,630 pallets, while the Krishnapatnam facility holds 3,927 pallets. These warehouses are equipped with advanced automation and infrastructure designed to enhanc..

Next Story
Resources

Noesis Enables IHCL Hotel Deal in Udupi–Manipal Corridor

NOESIS Capital Advisors, India’s leading hotel investment advisory firm, has successfully facilitated a landmark hospitality transaction in the Udupi–Manipal region of Karnataka. The deal involves the acquisition of a nearly completed, 130-key upscale hotel that will operate under one of the premium brands of IHCL, reinforcing NOESIS’ position as a preferred partner for strategic hospitality transactions across India. Strategically located on the Udupi–Manipal Highway, the 1.03-acre property will cater to business travellers, pilgrims and families visiting Manipal University. With..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?